Thousands of jobs have been lost through pub closures, with 25 shutting their doors for good every week, according to a new report.

Around 1,300 pubs closed across Britain last year, with the loss of 13,000 jobs, said the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA).

The number of pub closures has fallen from 40 a week last year to 25 a week now, with the rate of losses highest in London and north-west England.

The BBPA said the research supported its call on the Government not to raise taxes on beer in next week's Budget.

Chief executive Brigid Simmonds said: "The closure of 25 pubs every week is bad news for the economy, as the sector plays such a vital role. It's also a blow for local communities, with pubs often acting as the hub of local life.

"With the right policies, this vital part of our tourism and hospitality sector could be creating new jobs, and helping to bring Britain out of recession.

"If we really do have a pub-friendly Government as the Prime Minister says, the time to act is now - with a freeze in beer duty in the Budget."